OUR HISTORY

     Dr. Randal and Shelly Quackenbush moved to Brookline, MA on September 1, 2012 with the purpose of starting a new church in Boston near Berklee College of Music. Central to the mission was to reach and disciple music students while building a multi-generational, diverse faith community. To assist in accomplishing this mission a gifted lead worshiper, Ryan Seler, joined the leadership team. 
After several months of building a launch team, Anchor Church had its grand opening on a snowy winter’s day, February 24, 2013.  The first gathering was at 5:00 p.m. at the Sheraton Hotel, 39 Dalton Street. Special guests were Dr. David Currie, Rev. Jeff Leake, and musical guests, Ashmont Hill. 
     Events such as Art+Cheer, which featured various musical acts from Berklee, visual art, and delicious desserts, were bridge events to the Boston community.  The first Art+Cheer was held on January 27 at the New England Conservatory. In addition, prayer walks have been a key component of Anchor’s ministry as we have circled various neighborhoods and campuses in prayer. 
     For our first six months the congregation rotated gatherings between the Sheraton and the Hilton Back Bay, 40 Dalton Street.  Then, in September 2013 we were blessed to relocate to Columbus Avenue AME Zion Church, at 600 Columbus Ave. With the strong support of their pastor, Rev. Dr. Gina Casey, Anchor enjoyed a season of growth with many students from Berklee College of Music, Northeastern, and other universities attending. In time, it became necessary to relocate, so in November 2015 we transitioned to the Villa Victoria Center for the Arts, 85 W. Newton, in the South End. One year later, on November 13, 2016, our Global Impact ministry was born with our first Faith Promise Sunday. It was a glorious day as Rev. Tim Schmidt inspired us to have bold faith for what God could do through us in missions.  
     The Villa Victoria Center for the Arts served our community beautifully until structural concerns led to the closing of the facility. On August 20, 2017, Anchor relocated to the Benjamin Franklin Institute of Technology (BFIT) at 41 Berkeley St. in Boston. Two years later BFIT sold and the leadership of Anchor began seeking the Lord regarding our future location as well as gathering days and times. After a survey, thorough analysis, and prayer, Anchor relocated to Arlington Street Church, 351 Boylston St., on Nov 14, 2019. 
     In November of 2022, Pastor Randal shared that he would be transitioning from the lead pastorate in 2023. He announced that Pastor Ryan was the Board of Trustees unanimous choice to be the next lead pastor of Anchor. After a season of prayer, vision-sharing and congregational involvement, Pastor Ryan Seler was elected as lead pastor with a 100% vote on February 26, 2023. 
     From 2013–2022, 297 people have made decisions to follow Christ, 45 followers of Christ have been baptized in water, and $188,912 has been given to Global Impact. We praise God for everything good we have experienced thus far, even as we trust him for even greater things in

the future!